STATE DAIRY ASSOCIATION. 399, 



among this rugged and worthy class as actuated them in the early days 

 of their activity. You are going to be rewarded for the courage and en- 

 ergy you have displayed during the past sixteen years in Missouri in 

 following up and advocating the cause of dairy industry. I am studying 

 the thing closely, and I must say you have admirable men in Missouri ; 

 authorities on the question, devoting their lives and energies to this 

 cause, giving time to this movement that practically should be devoted 

 to something else, but they see a future in it. 



Among the many eminent gentlemen who have contributed their 

 time, energy and best effort to the cause I wish to include Honorable 

 George B. Ellis, Secretary State Board of Agriculture. A distinguished 

 authority and man of national reputation recently told me that Mr. Ellis 

 is unquestionably the ablest man and best authority on this subject of 

 any secretary connected with any State Department in the United States. 

 A practical farmer, with four years' service in the State Legislature, and 

 a number of years in his present position, he is fortified and willing to be 

 of great assistance to us in the future. 



As Dairy Commissioner for Missouri we have a man of practi- 

 cal and scientific knowledge ; a man whose ability has been commended 

 on this floor by the Dairy Commissioners of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin 

 and Minnesota, who all know him personally, having worked with him, 

 and his work is known in the Department of Agriculture in Washington, 

 where his observations have been accepted. 



Governor Folk has been exceedingly fortunate in selecting such an 

 excellent man for this place. 



I wish to state to the dairy men of Missouri that if they have any 

 legislation which they wish to formulate for the development of this busi- 

 ness, put it in shape and send to Professor Washburn or myself, and we 

 will endeavor to co-operate with them in bringing about better results, 

 and I feel assured that our Governor will make recommendations that 

 will advance the cause of dairying in Missouri. 



Since the induction of Governor Folk into office the foot-fall of the 

 lobbyist has been as echoless upon the capitol floor as the resounding 

 tread of Caesar's tenth legion. I trust that each member of this Asso- 

 ciation, when he returns to his home, will consider the subject discussed 

 seriously, and communicate with our Commission any facts he may 

 glean or absorb relative to the betterment of conditions. 



As fruit ripens in the autumn time, I trust with each recurring an- 

 niversary of our meeting our recollections will grow more mellow. 



I thank you for your patient hearing. 



